Casa Rospigliosi is a minimalist house located in Milan, Italy, designed by studio.traccia. This renovation project has been particularly notable for its approach to merging two distinct apartments into a cohesive living space. Central to this endeavor has been the reexposure of the building’s original concrete structure, particularly evident in the ground floor. This decision to reveal the raw concrete, hidden for years under layers of masonry and plaster, has been pivotal in crafting a unique identity for the residence. The primary living area has been significantly restructured to facilitate the unification of the two apartments. This space, dominated by three robust concrete columns, showcases a distinct brutalist character, reminiscent of the nearby stadium’s architectural style. These H-shaped columns, initially functional in design to house various ducts, have been cleverly integrated into the aesthetic, with visible electrical and heating systems adding to the functionalist theme.

Spatial reorganization within the apartment centers around a ‘functional spine’. This core area houses essential elements like bathrooms, the entrance, and storage spaces. The ingenious use of full-height doors, both sliding and pivoting, ingeniously alters the perception of this central block, allowing for a seamless transition between public and private areas. The designers have also introduced custom iron furnishings, strategically placed between columns and within niches, further accentuating the brutalist theme throughout the residence, including in unexpected areas like the bedroom. A new concrete flooring system unifies the space, with tasteful inlays of tinted micro-cement drawing inspiration from traditional Lombard design, yet interpreted in a modern key. These inlays highlight specific areas, such as the entrance and bedroom, adding an additional layer of sophistication.